MILWAUKEE — Red Star has introduced Platinum instant sourdough, a yeast that offers a sourdough flavor and does not require home bakers to maintain their own sourdough starters. Red Star has added a sourdough starter within the product that lends a tangy flavor to any yeast recipe, according to the company. The product is available in supermarkets nationwide and online.

The yeast is a blend of instant yeast with natural dough strengtheners. The Platinum yeast strengthens the dough before and during baking, and the rye-based starter provides the distinctive sourdough flavor.

Platinum instant sourdough yeast is designed to be used in place of dry yeast in many applications, including bread, brioche rolls, pizza dough and donuts. The product comes in 0.63-oz/18-gram packets. One packet will raise up to 4 cups (about 1 lb) of flour. Because the packet contains a blend of yeast, dough strengtheners and sourdough starter, only full packets should be used in recipes.